For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 542 students in Chester Area School District 39-1. This district's average testing ranking is 6/10, which is in the top 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
Public Schools in Chester Area School District 39-1 have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 3% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
7 Schools
734 Schools
# Students
542 Students
146,041 Students
# Teachers
38 Teachers
10,645 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Chester Area School District 39-1, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 15% has decreased from 30-34% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#65 out of 148 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
42%
Graduation Rate
15%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.05
0.53
% American Indian
n/a
14%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
1%
8%
% Black
n/a
3%
% White
97%
67%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $12,376 in this school district is less than the state median of $13,121. The school district revenue/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $10,550 is less than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$7 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$6 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$12,376
$13,121
Spending / Student
$10,550
$12,623
Best Chester Area School District 39-1 Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Chester High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
102 2nd Ave
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Grades: 9-12
| 103 students
Rank: #22.
Chester Area Cyber School - 92
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
500 5th St
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Grades: 9-12
| 101 students
Rank: #33.
Chester Middle School - 03
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
102 2nd Ave
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Grades: 6-8
| 69 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Graceville Colony - 07
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
23843 - 446a Ave
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 256-2267
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 256-2267
Grades: K-8
| 21 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
High Plains - 06
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 5th St
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Grades: 9-12
| 61 students
Rank: #66.
Chester Elementary -02
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
102 2nd Ave
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Grades: PK-5
| 148 students
Rank: #77.
Rustic Acres Elementary - 04
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
24243 456th Ave
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Grades: K-8
| 39 students
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Chester Area School District 39-1?
Chester Area School District 39-1 manages 7 public schools serving 542 students.
What is the rank of Chester Area School District 39-1?
Chester Area School District 39-1 is ranked #61 out of 146 school districts in South Dakota (top 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year.
What is the racial composition of students in Chester Area School District 39-1?
97% of Chester Area School District 39-1 students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Chester Area School District 39-1?
Chester Area School District 39-1 has a student/teacher ratio of 14:1, which is equal to the South Dakota state average of 14:1.
What is Chester Area School District 39-1's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $10,550 is less than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
Recent Articles
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.
Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.
Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.
